Alarm On Protected Article Patents (Class 340/571)
  • Patent number: 7714721
    Abstract: An anti-theft tag deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft tag includes an elongated housing for accommodating an EAS marker, a product support member that locks into the housing and which supports the ring, and a flexible, tear resistant strap for securing the ring to the support member, the strap being disposed at least partially within the housing during use. In one embodiment, the support member includes an arcuate seat portion for supporting a circular shank portion of the ring, and a locking member that locks into a corresponding cavity in the housing. In use, the tear resistant strap extends over the ring shank, and the strap ends are received within the cavity of the housing to protect the strap from unauthorized removal by a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Feibelman, David Brown
  • Patent number: 7710249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a driver assistance system which can identify a danger situation with reference to a comparison of measured data with predetermined limit values and which can output a warning signal when it has identified a danger situation of this type. An additional control module is provided which determines an activity state of the driver in dependence on at least one input value which permits a conclusion on actions carried out by a driver and can suppress the outputting of the warning signal in dependence on this activity state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Su-Birm Park
  • Patent number: 7710266
    Abstract: A security system and display module therefore protects an item of merchandise mounted on the display module in a retail environment. The item of merchandise is electrically and mechanically connected to a sensor which is removably mounted on the display module by a first power cord. A second power cord connects the display module to the sensor and a third power cord connects the display module to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The display module contains an alarm unit having an audible alarm which is actuated if the integrity of either of the first or second power cords is compromised. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor and in a base of the display module and connected to the internal alarm to provide additional security for the protected item of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Christopher J. Fawcett, Anthony M. Cupolo
  • Publication number: 20100090830
    Abstract: A security device includes a locking member, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of cables. The cables are wrapped around all six sides of a box-like article. An attachment clip is releasably snap-fitted into the body of the security device and locked therein by a magnetically attractable member. The ratchet mechanism includes a spool and a locking pawl or lever. A top wall of the housing or locking clip has a key receiving recess for positioning the key for unlocking the clip from the housing and releasing the spool from the ratchet mechanism. The housing has a rotatable handle for manually rotating the internal spool to further tighten the cable about the article after the cable slack is taken up by an internal spring. An alarm system is contained in the housing and actuates an audible alarm upon certain unauthorized actions occurring. The spool is biased by the internal spring to automatically wind the cable onto the spool after the clip has been unlocked from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Christopher J. Fawcett, David P. Christianson, Mitchell S. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7696882
    Abstract: RFID reader systems, components, software and methods are provided for use premises that have RFID-tagged items. When a person comes onto an enclosure of the premises already carrying a personal tag, the incoming code of that personal tag is read. When later the person exits the enclosure, they could be transporting some of the items that have actionable codes. The actionable codes can be read, but the incoming code can be removed from them, before the actionable codes are acted upon, in Point-of-Sale or Electronic Article Surveillance systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Kambiz Rahimi, Christopher J. Diorio, Ronald A. Oliver, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Publication number: 20100085189
    Abstract: The invention comprises of a method and alarm device used to prevent metal theft from irrigation systems. The alarm device attaches to a plurality of electric conductor such as copper wiring that is in need of protecting and the preexisting irrigation system circuit. The alarm device detects voltage in the irrigation system circuit and if there is no voltage signals from the irrigation system circuit, then the alarm device automatically breaks the original circuit and inserts itself into the irrigation system circuit. The alarm device then sends a low voltage, low current down the plurality of electric conductors and the plurality of conductors then become part of a circuit that energizes a magnetic switch located in the alarm device. A breach of integrity of the plurality of conductors such as by physical detachment triggers an alarm condition which lead to audio and visual alarms plus activating an automated dialer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Caswell
  • Patent number: 7688197
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system of identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device or a vehicle equipped with a telematic device. The telematic device includes an identification code, which is transmitted to a service provider. The identification codes of those telematic devices, which have been reported as being used in unauthorized, are stored at the service provider. The identification codes received at the service provider is compared for a match with the stored identification codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Becker, Dirk Lappe, Arnold Gieseke
  • Patent number: 7664463
    Abstract: A loss prevention system containing a Bluetooth transceiver and a motion detection system monitors the presence of a portable electronic device such as a cell phone in the vicinity and alerts when that device leaves its vicinity. The system transceiver is activated upon detecting a movement and turned off after a check is done in order to conserve battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mourad Ben Ayed
  • Patent number: 7663491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate damage detection mechanism using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag including a substrate, at least one RFID tag with a RFID chip, a RFID transmitter and at least one data input/output port and at least one conducting circuit loop arranged to cover the substrate and provided with a first end that is electrically connected to a reference voltage and a second end that is electrically connected to the data input/output port of the RFID tag. The RFID chip generates a conductive code when the conducting circuit loop is originally conducting and generates a open-circuit code when the conducting circuit loop becomes open circuit resulting from the damage of the substrate in which both the conductive code and the open-circuit code are transmitted by the RFID transmitter and received by a RFID reader to determine the damage of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Chung Hua University
    Inventors: Chi-Kuang Hwang, In-Hang Chung, Chih-Hu Wang, Ching-Cheng Tien, Bore-Kuen Lee, Tung-Chou Chen, Chia-Wen Wu, Chien-Jung Chiu, Ming-Ching Yen, Jwu-E Chen
  • Publication number: 20100033329
    Abstract: A device and method for protecting personal property. The device includes a movement detection system and an alarm adapted to signal when the device has moved beyond a predetermined position from a reference point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: XITEL PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Barrie William Davis, Benjamin John Davis, Matthew Kai Davis
  • Patent number: 7659817
    Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian V. Conti, Ningsheng Zhang, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: 7656292
    Abstract: A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: 3SI Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Bartholf, Mitch Ingle, Roger Hayward, Konstantin Gromov
  • Patent number: 7652574
    Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag having an attaching member 34 located therein and adapted to securely and releasably receive a shaft of a pin therein, whereby a predetermined arcuate probe is inserted through an opening and applies a requisite force to the attaching member to release the shaft. At least one frangible vial containing a detrimental substance positioned within the tag body to deter unauthorized manipulation of the tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Adel O. Sayegh
  • Publication number: 20100013637
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KEYSTONE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 7646302
    Abstract: A scooping device with an integrated electromagnetic (EM) surveillance device for a container. The container defines an interior for storing a product. The scooping device is configured for scooping or capturing the product. The electromagnetic surveillance device is integrated with, embedded into or attach to the body of the scooping device. The electromagnetic surveillance device may be an EAS, Bistatix, RFID, or other electromagnetic surveillance tag or label that is configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal such that the presence of the electromagnetic surveillance device is detectable. The detectability of the electromagnetic surveillance device provides an anti-theft feature to the container without interfering with the construction of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Setty
  • Patent number: 7629895
    Abstract: A portable security device for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment has a base formed with a plurality of holes arranged in predetermined patterns for mounting the device on a plurality of different support structures. A housing containing an alarm system, a retractor and an alarm cable is contained within the housing. The housing is locked on the base by a key operated tumbler attached to the base. The base is mounted on the various support structures by fasteners, the attachment heads thereof being concealed within the housing. A plunger switch at the outer end of the alarm cable is activated when the cable is attached to an item of merchandise. An audible alarm is sounded if the integrity of the alarm cable is comprised or if the item of merchandise is removed therefrom. In a modified embodiment, a space is provided between the alarm and mounting base providing increased sound alarm level in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Ronald M. Marsilio
  • Patent number: 7626500
    Abstract: A security system for protecting a plurality of items of merchandise on display in a retail environment. Each of the items is connected to a sensor which is removably mounted in a display module and connected thereto by a power cord. A single alarm module located in an inaccessible location is connected to each of the display modules by another power cord. A power cord connects each of the display modules to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The alarm unit contains an internal power source for controlling the alarm circuitry. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Patent number: 7626501
    Abstract: An anti-theft security tag includes an engagement member having a first and second end securable within a housing by a crimping member for attachment to an article. In one embodiment, the housing supports an electronic article surveillance marker and may include a channel for receiving and securing at least one self crimping member. The self crimping member is sized to receive one end of the engagement member. The one or more crimping members may be disc shaped, including a plurality of fingers for securing one end of the engagement member, or may have a variety of other shapes. The self crimping members allow the engagement member to be moved downward, but not upward, so as to make the engagement loop smaller. In another embodiment, the crimping member is manual and a slot is disposed within the housing in alignment with the at least one crimping member, and is sized to receive a crimping tool to crimp the member and secure the line to the article within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Feibelman
  • Patent number: 7619525
    Abstract: A method or system of providing security utilizing RFID tagged items exiting or entering a retail establishment. A RFID tag value of a RFID tagged item being checked out is: read by a first RFID reader, added to an exit queue, and read by a second RFID reader at an exit of the retail establishment after which it is ascertained that the RFID tag value is or is not in the exit queue respectively resulting in deletion of the RFID tag value from the exit queue or raising a security alert. A RFID tag value of a first RFID tagged item at an entrance of the retail establishment is read by a RFID reader, added to an entrance queue, determined as having come from the retail establishment, and ascertained to have entered the retail establishment to be returned for a refund or exchanged for a second RFID tagged item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Kwan
  • Patent number: 7619519
    Abstract: An alarm module is provided that includes a first and second switch, a power source and a signal module for generating an alarm signal. When the first and second switch are both in the closed position, the signal module is activated by power from the power source. The first switch opens when an item associated with the alarm module is placed on or connected to the alarm module, and closes when the item is tampered with or removed. The second switch opens when a key is inserted into the alarm module, and closes when the key is removed from the alarm module. The alarm module may also include a third switch that closes when power flows from the power source to the device, and can only be opened upon insertion of the key into the alarm module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Robert S. Richter
  • Patent number: 7616116
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reusable locking unit and a one time use electrically conductive molded thermoplastic shackle loaded with carbon black particles and having a linear resistance that is periodically monitored. The locking unit includes an integrated circuit for measuring shackle impedance through terminals capacitively coupled to the shackle. The terminals allow for adjustment of the length of the seal shackle in the locked secured state. The terminals and shackle form an RC network having a complex impedance that manifests the locked adjusted shackle length. Two AC signals at two different frequencies are used to measure impedance, which is compared with an initially determined or continually generated reference impedance to determine a tampered state of the shackle. Temperature compensation is also disclosed. A time stamp is stored for noting the tampering time of occurrence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: E. J. Brooks Company
    Inventors: Jakob Ehrensvard, Fredrik Einberg, Robert Debrody, Richard Dreisbach, George Lundberg
  • Patent number: 7616118
    Abstract: The present invention provides a theft-deterrent mechanism and method that minimizes or eliminates the loss of electronic devices during transportation and sales due to theft, and a retail packaging that comprises the theft-mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Weng Wah Chng, Kok Chuan Lim
  • Patent number: 7612671
    Abstract: An attachment device, attachment receiving device and system for identifying a secured container are disclosed. The system may include an attachment device, a first identification device embedded into the attachment device, the first identification device containing identification data relating to the attachment device, an attachment receiving device coupled to a container, a second identification device embedded into the attachment receiving device, the second identification device containing identification data relating to the container, wherein when the attachment device is attached to the attachment receiving device, the attachment device identification data and the container identification data are associated, and the associated identification data is capable of being read by an identification data reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Rachwalski, Nicholas C. Hopman
  • Patent number: 7602287
    Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Keystone Technology Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Scott T. Trosper
  • Patent number: 7602297
    Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap, have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Marsilio, Christopher J. Fawcett
  • Publication number: 20090251318
    Abstract: The present discloses an anti-theft system including a mobile device and a radio frequency identification tag. The mobile device includes a processor, a RFID module and an alarm module, and the processor is coupled separately to the RFID module and the alarm module. The RFID module periodically transmits a detection signal to the RFID tag. After the RFID tag receives the detection signal, the RFID tag transmits an acknowledge signal to the RFID module. When the RFID tag leaves a predetermined range from the mobile device, the mobile device will be unable to receive the acknowledge signal, and then perform an emergency processing procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Inventec Appliances Corp.
    Inventor: Bamboo HO
  • Patent number: 7595727
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a secure enclosure from a remote location to determine whether a secure enclosure door has been opened includes a seal having a base material and an indicator. The base material is bonded across first and second secure enclosure surfaces that must move relative to each other when the secure enclosure door opens. The indicator includes an indicator component that is coupled to the base material to deform in response to a relative movement between the first and second secure enclosure surfaces. The indicator provides a first indication prior to deformation of the indicator component and a second indication after deformation. Indicator components can include an impedance element, a piezoelectric material, volatile memory, a transmitter assembly component or a bar code. A monitor (e.g. RF signal receiver or a bar code reader) receives the indication and determines whether the secure enclosure door has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Information Systems Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon Lorenzo Grijalva, Mark Allen Herman, David Daniel Lilly
  • Patent number: 7593737
    Abstract: A disclosed transportation management system includes a database including operational information and operator information that correspond to a target object, a transmission control part for transmitting a transmission radio wave to an information storage medium attached to the target object and a reception control part for receiving a reception radio wave, including identification information of the target object, from the information storage medium, a transport information obtaining part for obtaining transport information of the target object, an operational information retrieving part for retrieving the operational information from the database in accordance with the identification information of the target object, an information comparing part for comparing the transport information of the target object and the operational information, a notification information generating part for generating notification information indicative of the result of the comparison; and a notification information transmitting
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Noji, Yoshihiro Sugiyama, Wakoh Hamada, Hideki Kawashima, Hideo Sakurai, Atsushi Kutami, Tatsuro Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7589632
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for protecting an article against theft. Once a protection element is in the on-position (100), a selection signal is transmitted from an emitter to a receiver provided in the protection element, in order to associate the protection element with the emitter and to shift said protection element into a connection mode (110). The receiver is then deactivated (111) in the connection mode (110). The deactivation (111) of the receiver reduces the energy consumption of the protection element, and prevents the protection element from unintentionally receiving other selection signals. Once the protection element has been shifted (112) into an alarm state (120), for example, due to an attempted theft, the receiver thereof is reactivated, in order to reauthorize the reception of a selection signal. The alarm state (120) can be terminated (123) by one such selection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Reinhold Ott
  • Patent number: 7586413
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward secure access systems. Specifically, a radio frequency (RF) enabled device is provided that includes an RF powered human feedback element. An interrogator emitting an RF field may control the human feedback element through the RF field such that information may be transmitted from the interrogator to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventor: Michael L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090212949
    Abstract: An alarm and a detection and alarming method thereof are disclosed. The alarm is used to monitor a computer system. The alarm comprises a control module, a motion sensor and a user input interface circuit. The method comprises the following steps: activating an alarming procedure by the user input interface circuit; detecting whether a motion signal is generated or not; if yes, executing an instruction inputting procedure; determining whether a correct instruction is inputted or not; if yes, deactivating the alarming procedure; and if not, executing an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chu-Chia Tsai, Wen-Chin Wu, Pei-Ling Lai, Chia-Hsien Li
  • Patent number: 7579951
    Abstract: A container assembly for tracking a radio frequency identification tag (20) generally includes at least one container (22), an RFID tag (24) associated with the container, and an RFID signal transmitter (26) associated with the radio frequency identification tag. The RFID signal transmitter is capable of transmitting an RFID response signal (1044). The assembly further includes a tracking signal transmitter (28) associated with the RFID signal transmitter. The tracking signal transmitter is capable of transmitting a tracking signal (1046), and the tracking signal is different at least in part from the RFID signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Organicid, Inc
    Inventors: Edwin Hirahara, David L. Lee
  • Patent number: 7573385
    Abstract: A portable carryall container with identifiable contents, comprising at least one first half-shell and one second half-shell, which are mutually coupled so as to form a compartment for accommodating items and are movable with respect to each other from at least one open configuration to a closed configuration, the portable carryall container comprising at least one transponder, which is suitable to be activated by an appropriately provided reader with a radio frequency signal, the reader being provided at at least one fixed station and being connected functionally to a processing unit, so as to decode the information stored in the transponder and related to the identification of the container and of its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: G.T. Line - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Tonelli
  • Patent number: 7570162
    Abstract: A security system having a control and a sensor attachable to an article to be monitored. The sensor has a plurality of different states, among which are an armed state and a breached state. The sensor and control interact so that the control causes a detectable signal to be generated as an incident of the sensor being changed from the armed state into the breached state. The sensor has a housing with a wall structure bounding a cavity. The sensor further has a source of illumination that projects light. The wall structure has a light transmissive portion through which light from the illumination source projects from within the cavity to be visible externally of the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Se-Kure Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Leyden, Terrance Surma, Kris Michael Southerland
  • Patent number: 7570161
    Abstract: An anti-theft and safety mechanism (1) for bottles is disclosed, comprising an external support body (2), locking and unlocking means of this mechanism (1) and means for securing this mechanism (1) onto a neck of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Pietro Necchi
  • Patent number: 7564354
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting whether a device has been opened. A first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is installed in the package, typically during manufacturing. A first component is included in the first RFID tag. The first component modifies a power source to the first RFID tag in response to the package being opened after the first RFID tag is installed. The first RFID tag indicates a first event in response to the power supply being modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Selcuk Suat Eren, Brian Jules Jaeger, Douglas Alan Law, Paul Allen Roberts, Shawn Konrad Sremaniak
  • Patent number: 7557706
    Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for sealing a freight container. The seal includes, in its in-use configuration, a shaft (18) and heads (20) on opposite ends thereof. It includes also an electronic circuit (40) including a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter (42) and sensing means (44, 46) for sensing severance of the shaft (18). Severance of the shaft (18), if sensed by the sensing means (44, 46), is detectable by interrogation of the RFID transmitter (42) via a compatible interrogation device. A basic embodiment of the seal comprises parts made mostly of a non-conductive, vulnerable material. Should operational requirements so dictate, additional parts are provided for effectively, in the in-use configuration of the seal, reinforcing the vulnerable parts to yield a tamper resistant seal which still may be interrogated to determine integrity of its shaft. Other embodiments of the seal permit also interrogation to determine the integrity of another part of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Adams & Adams
    Inventor: Andrew G. L. Brown
  • Patent number: 7557705
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic luggage tag. The luggage tag includes an electronic circuit connected to a motion detector and also connected to a source of power such as at least one DC battery. The luggage tag also includes at least one and preferably a multiplicity of illumination means such as LEDs. In its at rest condition, the electronic circuit is in a sleep mode so that only minimal power from the battery is consumed. When the tag is jostled, the motion detector activates the electronic circuit to cause the battery to generate power to the circuit which in turn causes the LEDs to blink on and off for a period of time so that the luggage tag can be located. The luggage tag is in turn attached to a piece of luggage. The luggage tag can also retain an information card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Calibre International, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Oas
  • Publication number: 20090167530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote anti-theft alarm system comprising a plurality of mechanical switches for collecting moving signals of protected objects, a plurality of self-induced infrared sensors for collecting signals of relative movements between protected objects and adjacent objects and a spot detecting-and-alarming circuit, wherein the mechanical switches and the self-induced infrared sensors connect in the spot detecting-and-alarming circuit which communicates with a remote supervision center through a public data communication network. This system is excellent in anti-theft effects and difficult to be damaged by a thief, especially suitable for anti-theft of valuables in public.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BEIJING RUTIAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Lei SONG
  • Patent number: 7554449
    Abstract: An automated reading system for associating an RFID tag and product information includes a conveyor belt for moving a product having an RFID tag and a bar code. The system also includes an RFID scanner and a bar code scanner for reading information on the product as it travels down the conveyor belt. A collecting device is used for receiving the product, and a computer having a database is used for recording the association between the RFID tag and the product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventor: John Higham
  • Patent number: 7554443
    Abstract: The universal remote control finder includes a receiving station that is connected to an internal power supply source of the remote control so that the receiving station remains coupled to the power supply source. The receiving station is intercalated between the remote control and the base station when the remote control is docked at the base station. A base station is coupled to an external 120-volt power supply source and includes a user interface with a toggle switch. The receiving station is electrically mated with the base station. The remote control remains spaced above the base station during charging conditions. After the receiving station is detached from the base station and the toggle switch is activated, the base station generates and transmits an RF location signal. The receiving station detects the signal and emits an identification signal to identify a location of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Broderick Alexander, Thomas S. Krol
  • Publication number: 20090160644
    Abstract: Active tags are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an active tag is made similar to a shell in shape. The tag includes two parts, one is referred to as a cover and the other one is referred to as a base. The base includes a trigger tip (e.g., a reset switch) that is engaged when the two parts are closed. In an exemplary application, the needle of the cover part goes through a piece of garment and is engaged into the cover. These two parts can be disengaged by a detacher that is typically controlled by a casher (e.g., at point of sale). One of the important features in the present invention is that the tag is active, which means the shell tag will set off an alarming audio if disengaged improperly or without authorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: WG Security Products Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaohui YANG
  • Patent number: 7545278
    Abstract: An article present region estimating means references information on location and time of an article detected in an article detecting device and stored in an article management database and information on location and time of a person detected in a person detecting device and stored in a person management database to estimate a location where the article is most likely to be present. An article position candidate weighting means may be perform weighting based on information such as movement of the person, location where the article is normally placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shusaku Okamoto, Osamu Yamada, Tomonobu Naruoka, Toru Tanigawa
  • Publication number: 20090135015
    Abstract: A security system for freight containers comprises: a locking device configured to reliably attach to the container and prevent unauthorized opening of the container doors; an electromechanical locking mechanism; and a GPS receiver so that unlocking may be authorized when the container is at a selected location. The system may further include a device to sense conditions affecting the container; and, a communication system to transmit the output of the sensing device to a system administrator located remotely. The locking and sensing devices may be capable of two-way communication with the system administrator. The system may include a visual display on the exterior of the container capable of displaying selected messages. The messages may be preprogrammed or may be changed as the container moves from one geographic location to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Eric L. Dobson, Joel K. Reed
  • Patent number: 7538683
    Abstract: An object (201) (such as a containment mechanism) supports both a functional electrical circuit (203) and an electrical circuit (202) to which the functional electrical circuit is responsive. In a preferred approach the functional electrical circuit has both a low power state of operation and a higher power state of operation. Upon detecting (104) that an area of connectivity of the electrical circuit has been severed (via, for example, corresponding manipulation of the object itself), the functional electrical circuit responsively operates (106) using the higher power state of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mansour Toloo, Hakeem B. Adewole, Paul W. Brazis, Daniel R. Gamota, Julius S. Gyorfi, Swee M. Mok, John B. Szczech, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 7538670
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a plurality of objects, involving configuring a sensor for a first object of the plurality of objects, wherein the sensor monitors an environment of the first object, attaching the sensor to the first object, associating each of the plurality of objects together using a pre-defined stimulus to obtain an associated set of objects, and communicating a notification message when a change in activity of the environment of the first object is detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Smith, Robert F. Tow
  • Patent number: 7535357
    Abstract: This patent discloses a proximity alarm system for an article. The proximity alarm system may include a transmitter to attach to the article and a receiver having an alarm, a set of combination dials, and a deactivation button. When the article is a cell phone, the receiver may attach to a person's belt and hold the cell phone. The transmitter and receiver may be in wireless communication with each by infrared radiation signals and/or radio frequency signals. When the communication between the transmitter and receiver is interrupted by distance, objects, or otherwise interfered with, the receiver may generate a sound, visible light, and/or vibratory alarm. The alarm may be quashed by turning the receiver off, moving the article closer to the receiver, and/or turning the set of combination dials to a secret predetermined number and pressing the deactivation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Olusola Enitan, Wale Ajayi
  • Patent number: 7535358
    Abstract: The invention includes an electronic luggage tag that uses GPS technology to both track luggage, and record the specific times and places that a specific piece of luggage is opened. The invention is designed to prevent luggage theft and additionally to provide users the ability to track the location of lost luggage. The tag device has two components: a luggage tag having an implanted GPS chip and, a separate receiving device for receiving a transmitted signal from the luggage tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Elaine A. Crider, Valerie D. Francies
  • Patent number: 7528719
    Abstract: A system and method of asset sealing and tracking includes a first RFID device with a first identity that is permanently affixed to a container door, and removable second RFID device with a second identity is coupled to the first RFID device—and inserted through a locking hasp of the container door. The first RFID device inherits the second identity of the second RFID device thereby automatically associating the two devices. Thereafter the first RFID device broadcasts both identities. When the second RFID device is opened, so that the container door is allowed to open, the first RFID device can sense this and change its broadcast message to include that the second RFID device was opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Hopman
  • Patent number: 7528718
    Abstract: A system, method, and program product that prevents theft of a portable information handling system and the intellectual property stored on the portable information handling system is provided based on pre-resuming activities that indicate that the computer has been stolen. A system and method detects whether a portable information handling system, such as a notebook computer, has likely been stolen in order to perform theft deterrence actions that render data stored on the portable information handling system inaccessible. When a user resumes a stopped portable information handling system, the system analyzes activities that occurred at the portable information handling system before the system was stopped. This analyzing includes comparing the activities to theft detection thresholds. If the theft detection thresholds have been reached, the system performs the theft deterrence actions rendering data stored at the portable information handling system inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ravi Shankarnarayan Adapathya, Ratan Ray, Aaron M. Stewart